The City of Lincolnton voted to purchase a new garbage truck at its regular meeting held Monday, November 3.

The purchase will be funded by a grant/loan from USDA-RD (Rural Development).

During the meeting, the council accepted the low bid of $60,000 for a 2009 Freightliner M-2 chassis, with a 260 hp, six-cylinder diesel engine. The body of the truck will be obtained from Municipal Equipment at a cost of $50,852.

The truck is scheduled for delivery within the next 90 to 120 days.

In other business, Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff, speaking on behalf of council, expressed his sympathy to the family of James B. "Buddy" Marlow, Sr., who passed away on October 17.

"Buddy served eight years as mayor, and there was no one who boosted Lincolnton more than he did," said the mayor. "He was a selfless, giving person. It was a privilege to know him and serve with him."

In further business, the council:

.. Was encouraged by audience member Clay Antonakos to attend a meeting with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, hosted by the Friends of the Savannah River Basin (FSRB) and Congressman Gresham Barrett of South Carolina.

The "Management Plan and Drought Information Workshop" will be held at the McCormick Middle School Gymnasium on Monday, November 10, at 6 p.m.

.. Heard the Water Department Report given by Wastewater Superintendent Chris Guin, who indicated that water production decreased slightly from 12.59 mg (million gallons) in September to 12.25 mg in October.

He went on to note that the damage caused by lightning at the James Allen Reed Water Treatment Plant has been repaired.

.. Agreed to attempt to repair two old fire hydrants on Highway 378. The hydrants are leaking badly from weep holes at the base.

.. Heard the Zoning Department Report given by Zoning Administrator David Griffin, who said that during the month of October, his office issued five building permits for a total of $321, conducted nine building inspections, and approved two plats.

.. Voted to purchase a new computer for the Zoning Department at a cost not to exceed $1,000.

.. Voted to grant a side setback variance for property owned by John Braden on Lumber Street to accommodate a new addition to his existing office.

.. Heard the Police Department Report given by Chief Jim Justice, who said his office took 37 reports last month, which generated 18 new cases. Ten of these have since been cleared.

.. Voted to renew alcoholic beverage licenses for Fast Trip #2, the Sunrise Minit Market, and Golden Pantry.

.. Voted to table signing a franchise agreement with Wilkes Telephone & Electric Company until the group's December meeting.

.. Agreed to review a proposed ordinance dealing with the update of the Local Emergency Operations Plan, submitted by the Lincoln County Department of Public Safety.

.. Voted to accept the low bid of $1,343 from Augusta Overhead Door for a garage door for the water treatment plant.

.. Voted to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to regular session, no action was taken.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, December 1, at City Hall.